PORT EXPLORER and SHOPPING GUIDE

I T A L Y

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T U R K E Y

KatakolonM e d i t e r r a n e a n S e a

GENERAL INFORMATION The small, relaxed seaside vil-lage of Katakolon is situated on the western coast of the Pelo-ponnese, Greece’s largest peninsula. Best known for its dockside tavernas and small souvenir shops, Katakolon also serves as the gateway to one of ancient Greece’s most notable historic land-marks, ancient Olympia.

Archeologists theorize that the first Olympiad took place at the site in 776 BC; afterwards every four years panhellenic contests were held attracting athletes from all the Greek city-states. The Games also inspired the Olympic Truce, a time period when all hostilities were temporarily suspended in honor of the games.

The festivities lasted five days and early competitions included wrestling, running, chariot racing, horse racing, and the pentath-lon (wrestling, discus and javelin throwing, long jump, and run-ning). Only Greek-born males were allowed to participate, but Romans were later permitted. The event inspired writers and po-ets to read their works to the large audiences, while businessmen used the games as a networking platform.

Located in a lush green valley the 5,000-acre archeological site was revived as a national park in the 1970’s. Also know as the “Grove of the Sacred Altis”, the landmark is the kick-off point of today’s modern Olympic games, where the Olympic flame is lit and carried by a series of runners to the hosting city.

SHORE EXCURSIONS To make the most of your visit to Katakolon and its surrounding areas we suggest you take one of our organized Shore Excursions. For information concerning tour content and pricing consult your Shore Excursion Brochure or contact the Shore Excursion Desk. When going ashore, be advised to take with you only necessary items and secure any valuables onboard.

LOCAL CUSTOMS Bargaining: Some shops may be pre-pared to bargain.

Tipping: When a service charge is not included in a restaurant bill, a 10 - 15% gratuity is suggested.

LOCAL CUISINE AND DRINk SPECIALTIESFish and seafood feature prominently on Greek menus, as well as fruits and vegetables. In restaurants olive oil, garlic and herbs are used in traditional Greek dishes. Traditional tzadziki, a blend of yogurt, garlic and cucumber served with bread is a Greek favor-

ite. Squid and Octopus, either sautéed or grilled, are considered specialties.

The most common drink in Greece is wine (either white or red). Greek drink specialties also include retsina (wine flavored with pine resin for improving the quality), and the local spirit ouzo, a licorice flavored liquor served with water. Bottled water is recom-mended.

SHOPPING FACILITIES The village of Katakolon is dotted with small souvenir shops and seaside restaurants. Although small, the area offers a number of interesting jewelry shops for tourists. Open hours are from 8:00 am – 2:30 am weekdays, how-ever, most shops in town will remain open throughout the ship’s stay. The modern city of Olympia is also home to a number of tourist shops.

A Value Added Tax (VAT), is added to most purchases. Visitors who spend over a certain amount may be entitled to re-claim some or all of the tax paid. Check with the individual shops for details. Regulations and conditions governing the refund of VAT are subject to change, and Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.® cannot guarantee the cooperation of local authorities.

LOCAL CURRENCY The unit of currency in this port of call is the euro.

POST OFFICE AND TELEPHONE FACILITIES The main post office is located along Katakolon’s main street, Archaias Olympias. International telephone calls can be made from street kiosks equipped with meters and from public phone card booths. Telephone cards can be purchased directly from kiosks and the local post office.

TRANSPORTATION Transportation in Katako lon is limited to a few taxis, which are located on the pier when the ship ar-rives.

USEFUL WORDS AND PHRASESYes • Nai No • Ochi Hello • Yeiá sas Good Bye • Antío Thank You • Efcharistó You’re Welcome • Parakaló

This information has been compiled for the convenience of our guests and is intended solely for that purpose. While we work to ensure that the information contained herein is correct, we cannot accept responsibility for any changes that may have taken place since printing.

© RCCL 2011. All rights reserved.

Katakolon, GreecePORT EXPLORER and SHOPPING GUIDE

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Look for this sign or flag in all of our preferred shops. Beware of “similar” signs at store fronts. If the store is not mentioned on this map, then the store is not part of our program!

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PORT EXPLORER & SHOPPING MAP GUARANTEE Shop with confidence as all the merchants on our Preferred Shopping Program have been carefully selected and that each offers a 60 day guarantee to our cruise line guests. This guarantee is for repairs and exchanges. Please note the following conditions apply to the guarantee: Guest negligence or buyer’s regret is excluded. Price paid for merchandise or verbal claims/agreements between merchant and guests will not be grounds for returns. Only jewelry appraisals from gem laboratories or independent graduate gemologist appraisers not affiliated with jewelry retailer, or rug appraisals from certified non-commercial carpet experts will be considered for valuation claims. Watches and other brand merchandise may not be returned as they carry International brand warranties. Guests are responsible for all postage returns and appraisal fees.

Please contact us at Europeshopping@rccl.com if any queries arise after your purchase from our preferred shops on shore. We will do our best to facilitate a solution on your behalf.

VAT Most stores participate in the Value Added Tax program in which Non-European citizens may be entitled to reclaim a portion or all of the taxes paid (depending on the total purchase price). It is your responsibility to inquire as to whether or not the store participates in VAT refund program if the purchase qualifies for a refund.

GLObAL bLUE Shop where you see this Global Blue - Tax Free Shopping sign and ask for your tax refund receipt. To qualify, there are minimum amounts, per store, per day, so please ask the retailer for details. Show your purchases and Global Blue receipts to Customs officials when leaving the EU. Have your Global checks stamped and collect your cash at the Global Blue cash refund office. TAX FREE

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OLYMPIA PLACES OF INTERESTAncient Olympia is one of the best-known archeological sites of ancient Greece. Although famous as the location of the first Olympiad, legend dictates that the Pisans, lead by King Oino-maus, began the games around 1000 BC in honor of his daugh-ter Hippodameia and her husband Pelops.

King Iphitos of Elis declared the opening of the first official Olym-pic Games in 776 BC, in honor of Zeus. The games reached their pinnacle of prestige during the 6th-century BC but were later prohibited in 394 AD under the edict of Theodosios I, in an attempt to purge all pagan festivities.

Fifteen centuries later French historian Pier de Coubertin revived the games, again in Greece. Since 1896 a torchbearer starts out from Olympia bearing the sacred flame every four years, and takes it to the place where the Games are held.

Although mostly in ruins, ancient Olympia was once a complex gathering of temples, workshops, training facilities, and statues.

Near the entrance to the site’s leafy setting is the . . .

1 GymnASIum, dating back to the 2nd century BC and boasting remnants of its original columns.

2 Next door is the Doric architecture of the PALAESTrA, the official wrestling school.

3 Nearby are the PryTAnEum, where ceremonies honor-ing the winners took place; and the

4 PhILLIPPEIon, a monument built by Philip of Macedon to honor himself and his victorious battles.

5 The hErAIon, or Temple of Hera is one of the sites best preserved structures, it’s Doric architecture dating from the 6th-century BC. Special running races were held in Hera’s honor in which only virgins from the region could participate.

Zeus, being the god for which the Games were founded, had his place at the center of ancient Olympia.

6 The Doric TEmPLE oF ZEuS consisted of 25 columns, none of which are still standing. Inside sat the nearly 40-foot high gold and ivory statue of Zeus, created by Pheidias and considered one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. It is thought that the statue was moved to Constantinople in the 5th century and later destroyed by fire. The great Temple is flanked by a number of adminis-trative buildings, workshops and altars.

7 PhEIdIAS’S WorkShoP is thought to be where the great statue of Zeus was created.

8 Just north of the Temple is the nymPhAEum, a monu-ment built by Herodes Atticus during the 2nd-century, which not only paid homage to Herodes and his family, but also supplied Olympia with fresh spring water from Mt. Kronos.

9 Next door are a series of twelve TrEASurIES, stretch-ing to the entrance to the stadium.

10 The oLymPIc STAdIum was the largest of its kind, seating up to 30,000 spectators. Visitors are able to enter through the remains of its ancient archway and view the marble starting blocks still embedded in the dirt track.

11 The oLymPIA ArchEoLoGIcAL muSEum houses many of the treasures found at the archeological site. Of special interest is the marble statue of Hermes of Praxiteles from the Temple of Hera, and the sculp-tured Head of Hera.

The SIGHTS at ANCIENT OLYMPIA

A SELInI JEWELS - Latsis Street & main road Located on the main street from the Port, mid-block by Latsis Street, this jewelry store features hand-made pieces from well known Greek designers. Carolyn Walden-Giatras, an American now living in Greece, looks forward to showing you beautiful and cherished jewelry and time pieces that will leave you with wonderful memories of your time in Katakolon.

B nIkoLAS JEWELLEry & ASSImon - 12 olympias Street on main road Establishing his store in 1989, Nikolas the jeweler is a diamonds and gemstone specialist. He prides himself in of-fering the best prices on certified products with all types of stones; emeralds, rubies, sapphires, pearls, aquamarine, topaz and many more. Large selection of hand-made 14kt and 18kt jewelry is available for both ladies and gentle-men.

Assimon, also located in the same address, caters to more modern designs being the official retailer of Pandora Jewelry. Here you’ll find pieces made in silver in all price ranges.

SHOPPING in kATAkOLON

© 2011 m

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© 2011 m

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Selini Jewels